Coming into the week UT Permian Basin Volleyball needed two wins to clinch a spot in their third straight Lone Star Conference playoffs, and after Tuesday night are halfway there. Career nights from
Analise Lucio, 48 assists and 18 digs, and Isella Murillo, 16 kills and 20 digs, powered the Falcons to the win in four sets over Lubbock Christian. The Falcons and Chaps are now tied for the final spot in the LSC playoffs with the winner of tomorrow night's match-up securing a spot in the postseason.
The Falcons came out on fire taking the first set easily. Things were even for the first few points before a 3-0 Falcon run swung the momentum their way. The Falcons slowly pulled away with multi-point runs before taking command of the set with a four-point run. Murillo finished off the set as the Falcons took it 25-15.
The teams traded points early in the second set before a 6-1 Falcon run put them in the driver's seat. The Chaps went on a four-point run to tie the score, but the Falcons answered back with one of their own including back-to-back kills by
Aquincia Strambler. The Chaps cut the Falcon lead back down to one, but three more kills from Strambler sealed the set 25-22. The third was much of the same as the second set. The teams battled and traded points but a late 5-0 run by the Chaps made the difference and forced a fourth set.
After giving up the first two points, the Falcons controlled the fourth set. The Falcon frontline was unstoppable with Murillo, Strambler, Taurie Magge,
Cassandra Rother, and
Stephanie Sanchez combining for 17 kills against only one error to take the set 25-18.
Strambler had a great night offensively with 12 kills and added five digs. Magee ended the night with 10 kills. Four Falcons finished with double digit kills including Lucio and Murillo.
Daylee Doggett finished with a career-high 29 digs while
Lanai Hurd added 12.
The Falcons are back in action tomorrow night with the season on the line against Lubbock Christian. The winner will advance to the LSC postseason. Action starts at 3 p.m. in Lubbock. Download the UTPB Athletics App today to follow the team all season long.
